May 2016 Truck Sales – Storm Clouds Ahead?

May Results Are Mixed Bag

Many analysts were predicting cataclysmic declines in auto sales for May, and while many truck models are down for the month, it’s far from an across-the-board trend, and many models saw an increase over last year’s May results. Truck sales in particular are viewed as an unofficial barometer of economic health, as strong housing starts and demand usually correlate with higher truck sales.

The top performer percentage-wise for May was the Nissan Frontier, up a whopping 46 percent. As usual, the Ford F-Series was the chart topper, up nine percent. All the other domestic fullsize models were down slightly. Both the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon were up for the month. Although Nissan had some good news with the Frontier, the Titan is still struggling, with sales falling below 1,000 units for the month.

1) Ford F-Series - 67,412, Up 9.0 Percent
Although not quite as impressive as last month’s chart-busting results, the Ford F-Series was, nonetheless, the only domestic fullsize model to post a year-over-year May gain. Total F-Series sales also topped combined Silverado/Sierra sales once again.

2) Chevrolet Silverado - 45,035 Down 12.7 Percent
Silverado sales for May saw a reversal of fortune from last month’s positive numbers. Chevy continues to roll out special trims throughout the year to keep buyer interest up. Summer and fall sales results will be interesting to watch.

3) Ram 1500/2500/3500 - 38,833, Down 3.0 Percent
Ram declined slightly for the month, down three percent year over year from May 2015. An all-new Ram fullsize pickup is still more than a year out, but the Ram is still fresh and innovative, offering the segment’s only light-duty diesel. That is until the 2018 F-150 comes out.

5) Toyota Tacoma – 16,544, Down 5.6 Percent
The Tacoma remains comfortably at the top of the midsize class but saw a bit of a haircut for May. Combined sales of the Colorado and Canyon are still nowhere close to the Tacoma’s total.

6) Chevrolet Colorado – 9,196, Up 3.5 Percent
After months of double-digit sales gains, the pace cools off for the Colorado a bit, with May showing a modest 3.5 percent increase. For the time being, GM is the only domestic automaker with a midsize entry. However, it’s believed the Ford Ranger will make a comeback in 2018.

7) Toyota Tundra – 9,739, Down 16.4 Percent
The Tundra dropped slightly below the 10,000-unit mark for May, down 16.4 percent year over year. While still below the Ram and Sierra, Tundra sales are still comfortably ahead of the Nissan Titan, even after the debut of the highly anticipated Cummins-powered Titan XD.

8) Nissan Frontier – 7,941, Up 46 Percent
The Frontier was the big surprise for the month, posting a stellar 46 percent gain. By far the oldest truck on the market, its age and lack of relative polish do nothing to diminish its playful, fun-to-drive personality. It’s still a solid choice for those that don’t care whether they have the latest and greatest. An all-new Frontier is expected for 2018.

9) GMC Canyon – 3,361, Up 15.9 Percent
In absolute terms, the Canyon sells about a third as many units as the Colorado. However, the Canyon’s incremental sales are significant nonetheless. Results were strong for May, up 15.9 percent.

10) Nissan Titan – 922, Down 24.3 Percent
With the lack of a gas-powered model until just recently and no true 1/2-ton in showrooms just yet, the Titan is hanging in there with leftover 2015 models and a small handful of Cummins XD sales. As the different variants and powertrain options start to trickle into the showroom, expect the Titan’s fortunes to start looking up.